The U.S. solar power industry grew 67 percent to $6 billion in 2010, up from $3.8 billion in 2009, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Solar electric installations generated 956 megawatts of power in the United States, compared to solar panels generating 17 gigawatts of power as a whole globally. To put things in perspective, one photovoltaic cell — which captures sunlight and converts it to electricity — typically generates around a watt of power. Solar panels that are seen throughout the world are large collections of photovoltaic cells — usually around 6 inches across each.

But the U.S. share of solar panel installations fell to 5 percent of the total market share of solar power installations, down from 6.5 percent in 2009. Germany and Italy advanced in terms of market share thanks to generous subsidies and tax incentives to begin constructing and installing solar panels, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Most manufacturers expect the United States to play a larger role in installing solar power fixtures as subsidy cuts begin to hit Europe, according to the report. The number of solar power installations globally should double in 2011 when compared to 2010 thanks to additional demand from United States. California, which accounted for more than 80 percent of solar power installations in the U.S. earlier last decade, accounted for less than 30 percent of installations in 2010.